The Best Pet Insurance in Idaho (2024)
Idaho, also known as the Gem State, is a natural haven filled with scenic mountain views and sparkling lakes. The Gem State is also brimming with pet-owning households – over 450,000, to be exact.
As an Idahoan pet parent, you know your pet is a gem. It deserves the best veterinary care possible, no matter the expense. We know the decision to pay for pricey treatments isn’t always easy – especially when you’re juggling the stress and heartbreak of an injured or sick pet.
Pet insurance can help ease the financial and emotional stress of emergency vet visits. You’ll get coverage on your pet’s treatments, so you won’t have to choose between your budget and top-notch veterinary care.
The 4 Best Idaho Pet Insurance Companies
- Spot: Best overall
- ASPCA: Most experienced
- Embrace: Best for deductibles
- Healthy Paws: Best for chronic conditions
Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Idaho
The Best Pet Insurance Companies in Idaho Reviewed
There’s a lot to consider when purchasing any insurance policy. Pet insurance is no different, and it comes with a lot of confusing terminology and policy rules that can seem impossible to understand. Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting and sifted through some top providers and each pet insurance policy to help you find the best one for your pet.
While you’re reading, keep an eye out for features like plan customizability, add-on packages, and coverage inclusions that will benefit your pet and your budget.
How Does Pet Insurance Work in Idaho?
Pet insurance in Idaho doesn’t operate through networks. This means you can take your pet to any licensed vet and not have to worry about them rejecting your specific insurance provider.
Unlike human health insurance, pet health insurance operates on a reimbursement system. Reimbursement systems are great because you can take your pet to any clinic.
You’ll pay for veterinary services in full while you’re at the vet’s office. Since you must pay upfront, make sure you have some money saved in case of an emergency.
Once your pet has gotten the best care possible, you can use the itemized invoice from the visit to file a claim. The provider will process your claim and send a check by mail or directly deposit your reimbursement into your bank account.
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance in Idaho for You
Many providers offer an accident/illness plan, an accident-only plan, and some type of wellness add-on. You might be struggling to choose between options because they all seem to provide the same thing. If this is the case for you, we recommend looking at how each provider’s level of customizability can affect your coverage and monthly price.
To choose the best pet insurance in Idaho for your specific needs, you’ll need to find a balance between your budget and how much coverage your pet ideally needs. If your pet is accident-prone or has frequent health issues, you’ll want a plan with lower deductibles, higher reimbursement rates, and a high annual payout limit. A plan like this will cost more per month but will be worth it in the event of a costly emergency.
If you purchase pet insurance as a budgeting tool and your pet doesn’t typically need a lot of veterinary care, a high deductible/low annual limit plan might suffice. You’ll pay less in monthly premiums and have a small financial cushion in the event your pet needs care.
When comparing plans and costs, you can get a quote online from any top provider. You’ll be able to select different rates and see how they affect your price.
When it comes to customizability, Spot is a great option. Let’s look at how different rate combinations personalize your coverage and monthly cost.
Coverage Rates | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Annual limit – $2,500 Reimbursement rate – 70% Annual deductible – $1,000 | $16.00 |
Annual limit – $3,000 Reimbursement rate – 90% Annual deductible – $500 | $23.00 |
Annual limit – $10,000 Reimbursement rate – 80% Annual deductible – $250 | $34.00 |
Annual limit – Unlimited Reimbursement rate – 70% Annual deductible – $100 | $50 |
Annual limit – Unlimited Reimbursement rate – 90% Annual deductible – $100 | $62 |
As you can see, plan customization has a huge effect on how much you’ll pay per month – but more importantly, on how much coverage you’ll get. The next section will get into average pet insurance costs in Idaho based on your pet’s age and location.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost In Idaho?
On average, pet insurance in Idaho costs $40-$60 per month for dogs and $20-$40 per month for cats. Your pet insurance premium will vary by your pet’s species, age, and ZIP code in Idaho.
We used Spot’s online quote generator to build a plan for a 1-year-old Maltese. We selected an unlimited annual payout cap, 80% reimbursement rate, and $250 deductible.
A plan for this dog costs the same in Meridian and Nampa, Idaho, averaging at $56 per month in both cities. If that same dog were to live in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, its monthly quote would be $65.
Your pet’s age at enrollment has a large effect on your price. If the Maltese in Coeur d’Alene were 5 years old instead of one, its monthly quote shoots from $65 to $77.
To give you a better idea of prices, we’ve compiled some sample pet insurance quotes* for a 3-year-old Pug and Maine Coon living in Boise, Idaho.
Provider | Sample Monthly Cost For Dogs | Sample Monthly Cost For Cats | Sample Monthly Wellness Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Spot | $51.00 | $32.00 | $10-$25 |
Embrace | $43.00 | $34.00 | $19-$52 |
Healthy Paws | $47.00 | $31.00 | No wellness option |
ASPCA | $41 | $22 | $10-$25 |
*We selected 80% reimbursement rates, $500 deductibles, and $5,000 annual limits, when applicable.
Our Final Thoughts on the Top Pet Insurance Providers in Idaho
We know choosing a pet insurance plan can be tough, especially when so many options are on the market. We hope this article helps you find the best pet insurance in Idaho to fit your budget and pet care needs.
The right plan will provide you peace of mind knowing you can handle any unexpected veterinary emergency that comes your way. When comparing providers, consider factors like plan customization, monthly costs, coverage exclusions, and add-on package availability. These factors empower you to choose a plan that benefits your lifestyle and your pet’s health needs.
With the right pet health insurance plan, you’ll never have to choose between your finances and your pet. Your best friend will be covered all the way from Bonners Ferry down to Burley.
Information for Pet Owners in Idaho
Idaho is famous for its potatoes and precious stones, but it has a lot more to offer – especially to pet parents. The state boasts a long list of natural resources, scenic landscapes, and state parks for you and your family to explore.
Many of Idaho’s attractions also welcome furry family members, so no one has to miss out on the fun. While exploring Idaho, make sure to follow local and statewide pet laws to ensure the safety of your pet and fellow Idahoans. We’ve also noted a few pet owner resources in case you need a helping hand.
Idaho Pet Laws
Pet laws keep animals and people safe and promote responsible pet ownership. Here are a few of Idaho’s pet laws:
- You must have your dog licensed in your municipality; licensing shows that your pet is vaccinated against rabies and whether it is spayed/neutered.
- If you leave your pet in the care of a veterinarian for treatment or boarding and fail to pick your pet up within 10 days past the pick-up date, the vet has the right to turn your pet over to a pound.
- Animal cruelty is illegal in Idaho and punishable by up to six months in jail; cruelty includes leaving your pet in a hot car.
- Idaho doesn’t currently have a statewide leash law, so check with your local government.
Fun Things to Do With Your Pet in ID
With hundreds of hiking trails to explore, Idaho is the perfect location for active and nature-loving pet parents. Your dog or cat will enjoy tagging along while you explore the many treasures of the Gem State.
Idaho is a great destination for equestrian enthusiasts who can enjoy miles of stunning trails designed specifically for horseback riding. After a day of saddling up, your hooved companion will be happy to stop and rest in one of Idaho’s horse-friendly campgrounds.
Sightseeing pet owners visiting Idaho’s Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve can stay at the Craters of the Moon campground in Arco, Idaho. The campground comes complete with a 24-hour laundry facility, volleyball court, and K9 Pet Playground.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises are a fantastic way to enjoy Idaho’s sparkling waters. Well-behaved pets are welcome on the boat tours as long as they’re on a leash or in a crate or stroller.
Idaho Pet Resources
The Idaho Humane Society (IHS) provides several resources for underserved communities and financially struggling pet owners. The Idaho Humane Society’s Pet Food Pantry provides pet food to homebound seniors, shelter animals in IHS foster homes, and other animal welfare organizations in the area.
The IHS also offers pet behavior resources to assist owners in training their pets. The classes are designed to help you manage your dog in various environments and situations, leading to a more enjoyable companionship.
Spay Neuter Idaho Pets, Inc. (SNIP) is a nonprofit organization focused on providing affordable spay/neuter services. Spay/neuter programs are important because they reduce pet overpopulation and disease risk.
Located in Meridian, Idaho, SNIP performs surgical sterilization procedures for $155-$240. The organization also provides vaccinations, microchipping, nail trimming, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in Idaho
What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is health insurance for your pet that reimburses you for part of your pet’s vet bills based on your specific plan’s coverage. Unlike human insurance, pet insurance providers do not pay for your pet’s medical bill at the vet clinic or animal hospital. Instead, your pet insurance provider will reimburse you directly after you’ve submitted your claim. Most pet insurance plans will reimburse you for between 50 to 90% of the total vet bill. This means that you’ll pay out of pocket for your dog or cat’s medical bill at the time of the visit, then submit your claim to your pet insurance provider, which will then reimburse you for the cost up to your plan’s reimbursement rate.
What does Pet Insurance Typically Cover?
Depending on what type of plan you choose, your pet insurance plan will cover different things. Accident-only plans provide medical coverage for accidental injuries, such as broken bones, sprains, and prescription medications. Accident-and-illness plans try to extend that coverage to include cancer treatments, digestive illness, hip dysplasia, and similar issues.
How do I get reimbursed for a vet bill?
Simply take your cat to any licensed veterinarian and submit your claim. Depending on your provider, you can submit your claim through its mobile app, online member center, or through the mail. Then, you’ll wait for your provider to approve the claim. Once approved, it will reimburse you for the allocated amount in your pet insurance policy through direct deposit or check.
Our Methodology
Here at Quartz, our research team looks to examine all pet insurance policies and comes up with reviews based on:
- Coverage
- Plan options
- Cost
- Reputation
- Customer service
- Species available
- Wellness benefits
We’ve created a 5-star rating system to score pet insurance brands based on a 100-point scale. To develop a list of the best pet insurance plans, we looked into plans, rating coverage, claims handling, reimbursements, deductibles, and limitations.
Each factor is weighted differently based on the following factors:
- Monthly Pricing (25 points): How each pet insurance company charges for their plans is a crucial part of the decision-making process of the customer. Affordable rates and comprehensive coverage are the defining characteristics of providing the best pet insurance.
- Coverage (20 points): We scored companies based on the treatments and procedures they cover. Providers offering broader coverage and more unique treatments received more points. Pet insurance policies are not offered by all companies for older pets. Providers who have an age limit on the pets they cover were deducted points.
- Plans (15 points): Pet insurance providers offer accident-and-illness plans, accident-only plans, wellness add-ons, and pet preventive care add-ons, so customers can choose the right plan for their pets. We also factored in costs to achieve the most comprehensible review for your pet’s needs.
- Customization Options (10 points): You can ensure your pet only gets what they need by customizing your policy. A higher score was earned by providers who offered a greater range of annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.
- Customer Service (10 points): We scored companies based on their website accessibility and usability, mobile apps, and grating points to companies with the most customer experience options.
- Industry Reputation (10 points): We assessed each company’s industry reputation by reviewing up-to-date BBB ratings and accreditation information, as well as their years of experience in the industry.
- Waiting Periods (10 points): Companies with shorter accident and illness waiting periods scored higher than companies with longer waiting periods.
Our team revisits each company’s information at the end of every month to make updates and ensure the information is as accurate as possible.